First of all, what exactly is a “supermodel”? We all know who the supermodels are. One’s interest in fashion could be nil, but the names of the select few are still familiar. The media — electronic and print — makes sure of that.
But at what point is the person (nearly always a woman) elevated from “successful model” to “supermodel” status? Few of us know that.
According to one definition, the term “supermodel” refers to “a highly-paid, elite fashion model who usually has a worldwide reputation and often a background in haute couture and commercial modeling. They usually work for top fashion designers and labels.
“They have multimillion dollar contracts, endorsements and campaigns. First-name recognition is an indication of supermodel status in the fashion industry.”
One supermodel joked (?) that they do not work for less than $10,000 a day.
It is possible that the first supermodel was reed-thin Twiggy back in the 1960s. That is when the term began gaining popularity.
As is the case in most fields, it was, and continues to be, more difficult for Black models, but some persevere and become recognized as “supermodels.”
Although her name is not heard often today, DONYALE LUNA was the first Black model to scale the heights in the modeling world.
Interestingly, she was born Peggy Anne Freeman — in Detroit. It is said that she, unfortunately, made a point of not fully acknowledging her ethnicity.
Luna was written about in Harper’s Bazaar, Time and Vogue magazines, and was the first Black model to appear on the cover of the British edition of Vogue. Compliments came from high places. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy once said to her, “You are a beautiful woman.”
Sadly, Luna had a lot of personal issues, including substance abuse.
When it comes to being multifaceted, TYRA BANKS stands apart from virtually all of the other supermodels of today, Black or White.
In addition to having gone to the top and beyond as a high fashion model, Banks simultaneously hosts two popular television programs, the weekly “America’s Next Top Model” and her daily talk show, “The Tyra Banks Show.”
Banks, who, like Oprah Winfrey, is a shrewd businesswoman, began modeling while in high school. However, her modeling kicked into high gear in Paris.
In no time the beautiful newcomer was doing runway and/ or print work fashion and advertising industry giants, including Christian Dior, Donna Karan, CoverGirl, Perry Ellis and Oscar de la Renta. Her magazine covers include Cosmopolitan, Vogue and Elle.
when she became the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Vogue magazine (the American edition). That was in 1974 and it paved the road for the Black models who came after her, including Naomi Campbell, Veronica Webb and Iman.
In fact, the New York Times recognized Johnson as one of the most influential people in fashion in the 20th century.
That being the case, it is interesting that Johnson originally aspired to become an attorney. Friends suggested she give modeling a try while she was studying criminal justice at Northeastern University. First assignment: Glamour magazine. The work came steadily after that.
One of the most written and talked about supermodels is NAOMI CAMPBELL. In addition to her formidable modeling skills and exotic looks, Campbell is known for frequently throwing diva temper tantrums, more than one of which got her in trouble with the law.
But nothing interferes with her deeply respected status in the modeling world.
Born in London, England, Campbell’s mother is of Afro-Jamaican descent. After studying ballet, Campbell was discovered by a key person in the fashion industry and let that become her life’s work. Soon her face was everywhere, and the top designers came calling, including Yves St. Laurent and Ralph Lauren. She has appeared on more than 100 magazine covers. Nothing has ever stopped Naomi from expressing the way she really feels on any subject, including racism.
In fact, this year she commented, “The American president may be Black, but as a Black woman I am still an exception in this business. I always have to work harder to be treated equally.”
IMAN is one of the most recognized faces in the world. Born Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid in Somalia, northeastern Africa, she was studying political science at the University of Nairobi and soon after, certain events led to a career shift.
An American photographer discovered the beautiful and photogenic Iman in 1975 and recruited her as a model. By the next year, she was featured in Vogue magazine. Among her earliest supporters was Yves St. Lauren, who was eager to hire her.
Like most supermodels, Iman is involved in other projects as well, including Iman Cosmetics, Skincare & Fragrances.
Iman, also an actress, as are numerous other supermodels, has been married to rock superstar David Bowie since 1992. Prior to that, she was married to pro-basketball player Spencer Haywood.
There was widespread sadness when NAOMI SIMS passed on Aug. 1. She was one of the greatest in the modeling field and also an inspiration to others who sought to make inroads in that profession.
Sims, born in Mississippi, was studying psychology (taking night classes) when she won a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology, located in New York. However, she was discouraged by the racial barriers that she encountered from agencies. Some had the audacity to say bluntly that she was “too dark.”
She decided to try a different approach — she went directly to a fashion photographer from the New York Times. The strategy worked, but even after appearing in that prestigious publication, the work was still slow coming in.
Campbell’s big breakthrough was being chosen for a national television campaign for AT&T. In those commercials she wore clothes designed by the famed Bill Blass. After that, she was in demand.
The fashion industry and the women in it had long intrigued Detroit-born VERONICA WEBB. As a young girl she pondered different career possibilities. After deciding on modeling, she realized it would be in her best interest to let New York City be her new home base.
It may sound like a fairy tale, but a makeup artist discovered Webb on the streets of the Big Apple. One thing led to another and she found herself being recruited as a spokesmodel for Revlon, the first Black model to sign an exclusive contract with a major cosmetics company. Webb has come a long way since her days as a student at Waldorf School in Detroit.
These ladies — and others — are to be commended for their impressive achievements, often against tremendous odds. They are further proof that Black is indeed beautiful, and unstoppable, too.